Billings, MT Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- License issuer
- City Finance Department
- Allowed hours
- 6:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. only
- Background check
- state fingerprint check required
- Max penalty
- $500 fine, 6 months jail
- Minimum applicant age
- 18 years old
Summary
Operating a massage or spa facility in Billings without a city-issued license is a misdemeanor; the City Finance Department issues licenses under Municipal Code Article 7-1900, covering background checks, operating rules, and inspections.
It is unlawful for any person to operate a massage or spa facility in the City of Billings without a valid massage or spa facility license issued by the city as required by this article.(b)It is unlawful for any individual to practice massage therapy for compensation in the City of Billings without first obtaining and maintaining a valid massage therapy license as required under MCA 37-33-501.(c)Students and instructors who meet the requirements of MCA 37-33-404(2) and (3) are exempted from the requirements of this section. (Ord. No. 21-5757, § 1, 4-26-21)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Anyone operating a massage or spa facility in Billings must get a license from the city finance department under Municipal Code Article 7-1900, separate from the state massage therapist license required for practitioners under MCA 37-33-501. Applicants undergo a state fingerprint background check, and the license administrator can investigate, condition, or deny applications based on felony, financial-crime, or sex-offense history. Licensed facilities may operate only between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., must keep doors unlocked during business hours, must maintain employee and service logs, and are subject to inspection by the license administrator or police.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license, or violating the core prohibitions in Sec. 7-1910, is a misdemeanor: up to $500 and/or 6 months jail, each day a separate offense. Other violations are civil municipal infractions under Sec. 18-1304.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do solo massage therapists need a facility license in Billings?
What hours can a Billings massage or spa facility operate?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
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